A fake IW371771 is a counterfeit copy of the IWC Portuguese Chronograph reference IW3717-71. The fastest way to flag one is to check the chronograph subdial layout and the caseback engraving before you look at the dial logo.
What the IW371771 reference is
The IW371771 sits in IWC's Portuguese Chronograph family, a line known for a clean dial, two subdials, applied numerals, and leaf-shaped hands. Reference numbers in this family use a six-digit IW prefix, and the last two digits usually identify the dial and case variant. The model is a chronograph, so the pushers at 2 and 4 o'clock should start, stop, and reset the centre seconds hand.
Because the Portuguese Chronograph has been produced in several versions, a single photo is not enough to authenticate one. Collectors compare the dial architecture, the case profile, the engraving depth, and the feel of the pushers together.
Five checks that expose most fake IW371771 watches
- Subdial layout and hand length. The running seconds and chronograph minutes should sit in the expected positions, with hands that reach the tick marks. Fakes often use short hands, wrong spacing, or a swapped subdial function.
- Dial printing and applied markers. Genuine dial text sits sharp and level under magnification. Fakes show thick ink, uneven spacing, or numerals that sit proud of the dial in the wrong way.
- Caseback engraving. Reference and serial text should be cut deep enough to catch light, with consistent fonts and clean edges. Laser-etched fakes look shallow and grey.
- Chronograph reset. A healthy chronograph starts without lag and snaps back to zero. A fake may stutter, drift, or reset off-centre.
- Case finishing and pusher feel. Lugs, bezel edges, and pusher collars should feel crisp, not rounded or soft. The crown should engage cleanly with no gritty travel.
Why listing photos can hide a fake IW371771
Replica sellers reuse genuine photos, shoot in soft light, or crop the caseback. A dial that looks correct at web size can show wrong font weight in a macro shot. Ask for dated photos of the dial, caseback, clasp, and movement if the watch has a display back. For a solid-back Portuguese Chronograph, ask for a clear caseback photo and a short video of the chronograph starting and resetting.
Fake versus first copy: what the terms mean
Buyers use “fake iw371771” and “first copy” in the same search, but the replica market uses the labels loosely. “First copy” usually signals a higher-grade replica with closer external details, while “fake” is the broader term. Neither label is regulated, so the name on the listing does not prove quality. Judge the watch by the details in the photos and the seller's answers, not by the tier name.
What to verify before buying any IW371771
- Seller history and multiple close-up photos of the actual watch.
- Box, papers, and service records that match the reference and serial.
- A written return policy and a clear statement of what was replaced or refinished.
- Independent authentication for any watch sold as genuine.
- A price that fits the condition, completeness, and provenance without pressure.
Bottom line
A fake IW371771 rarely fails on one detail alone. It fails on a cluster: soft engraving, wrong subdial hands, dull case edges, and a chronograph that does not reset cleanly. If you need a genuine watch, buy from an authorized dealer or a pre-owned specialist who authenticates. If you are comparing replica listings, treat “first copy” as a marketing term and check the five points above before you pay.